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Taiwan – Regional Economic Zone Concept –

This was during the former president’s term when South Korea openly declared anti-Japanese sentiments and implemented anti-Japanese policies.
However, South Korea has consistently enforced anti-Japanese education and has never become a pro-Japanese nation.

Japan previously removed South Korea from white-list countries (Group A) for exports.
The reason was that South Korea’s export control system had deficiencies, raising security concerns. In particular, there were significant concerns regarding the handling of materials important for semiconductor manufacturing that could also be used for military purposes.
In other words, it was the necessary response to the critical issue of Japanese products being diverted to dangerous nations.

A program on a major Japanese TV station criticized that Japan’s response was the problem without bringing up the serious security concerns.
Furthermore, it made the unbelievable proposal that “Japan should create a single economic zone with South Korea.”
We couldn’t understand the thinking making this proposal while the South Korean government openly declares anti-Japanese sentiments and implements anti-Japanese policies.
Somehow, when I assumed this program’s position was pro-Korean, it suddenly made perfect sense.
Is this program claiming that “Japan hasn’t been forgiven, so anti-Japan policies are justified. And becoming part of the same economic zone as South Korea, which is vastly superior to Japan, can only be beneficial for Japan” ?
With the development of the internet, we sometimes come across articles from South Korea’s Chosun Ilbo or Hankyoreh newspapers.
In one such article, they stated that “The yen’s power is gone. Currency swaps with Japan are unnecessary. In fact, the Korean won is fully qualified to become a reserve currency.”
This program felt like it was made entirely for South Korea, sharing the exact same mindset.

As far as I have seen, this program has never criticized issues such as the aforementioned “diverting Japanese products that could be used for military purposes to dangerous countries,” “unilaterally abrogating agreements between nations,” “the illegal occupation of Takeshima,” and “violations of sovereign immunity.” 
Thanks to this program, we now clearly understand what a Republican Party member previously said: “Leftists relentlessly attack only those who disagree with them, even when others do the same thing.”

Once again, I cannot comprehend the idea of forming an economic zone with a country that practices anti-Japanese education and openly declares anti-Japanese sentiment.
We felt that this program’s sense of justice and its core claim was that putting Japanese citizens and companies in a difficult predicament was its purpose.

However, the concept of an economic zone with neighboring regions is truly excellent.
Japan has the largest pro-Japan nation right next door.

『Taiwan』

An economic zone Initiative based on mutual respect and equality has true value.
This will be a new economic zone framework different from the EU, built on “strong bonds through weak ties.”
The term “weak ties” means a framework where nations maintain their independence including their currencies, unlike the EU.

Japan is currently striving to revive its position as a major semiconductor power.
In the case of semiconductors, which can also become a diplomatic leverage:
・Japan – Home to world-leading companies in semiconductor manufacturing equipment and materials.・Taiwan – Home to leading foundries like TSMC, which have world-class miniaturization technology essential for high-performance devices.
Due to Japanese policy, Taiwan’s TSMC is building two new factories in Kumamoto Prefecture.
The formation of a single economic zone between Japan and Taiwan could establish a world-leading semiconductor economic zone.

In addition to these, it would be beneficial to have preferential treatments that contribute to each other’s economic development, such as in tourism and the free movement for study and work.
For example, allowing citizens to use the same immigration gates as nationals when entering or exiting each other’s countries.
Furthermore, preferential treatment for airline tickets such as treating them the same as domestic flights would likely lead to greater activity.

It is time for our relationship with Taiwan to move to the next stage.

Thanks.
2024/08/21 – 2025/12/15